What is the purpose of this program?
Will I earn money during the training program?
In what types of positions can I train?
How do I get the J-1 Visa?
How can I find a training position in the U.S.?
Can I stay in the U.S. after my training program is finished?
Can I come back for a second J-1 Visa program?
Once my training has started, can I go to a different hotel if I am not happy?
Can I travel outside the U.S. during my training program?
Can I resign from my position at any time?
How do I find a place to live in the U.S.?
What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the program is to learn about U.S. Marriott standards of hotel operation and to learn about and participate in the American culture and way of life.
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Will I earn money during the training program?
Yes, as a trainee, you are trained full-time for a period of up to 18 months and receive wages for the position in which you are working. You will earn enough money to cover your living expenses in the U.S.
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In what types of positions can I train?
The majority of the positions offered to international trainees are at an hourly (non-management) level. Supervisory and management level training positions also may be offered, but they are not offered as often. In most cases, the positions offered are in the rooms division and food and beverage areas of the hotel. These are full-time, paid, practical training positions in which trainees rotate through different departments in the hotel, or focus on one area of interest, to learn how a U.S. Marriott hotel operates. Training positions in other areas of the hotel also may be offered, but these can be more difficult to find. Please see
Trainee Positions for more information.
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How do I get the J-1 Visa?
Once you have been offered an international trainee position, you and the property apply to a J-1 Visa sponsorship organization. This is an organization that is authorized by the U.S. government to issue a document called a Form IAP-66, or
Certificate of Eligibility. The Form IAP-66 allows you to apply for the J-1 Visa or visa status at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country of citizenship or legal residence. Please see
Program Procedures for more information.
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How can I find a training position in the U.S.?
You can find training positions through the use of this website! Please see
Posting Center for currently posted positions. You may also contact any U.S. Marriott hotel directly to inquire about training opportunities. You may obtain a directory of all Marriott properties worldwide on the Marriott website:
www.marriott.com/default.mi in the "Hotel Directories" section. Printed directories also may be obtained at Marriott and Renaissance properties. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resources department. You should inform the U.S. properties that you are interested in a practical training position for 18 months (or less), and that you will apply for a J-1 Visa.
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Can I stay in the U.S. after my training program is finished?
No. You typically sign an agreement with the J-1 Visa sponsorship organization stating that you will not attempt to remain in the U.S. beyond the length of your authorized period of stay. The U.S. employers also sign an agreement to this effect. However, once you leave the U.S. after the J-1 Visa, you are free to pursue opportunities in the U.S. in the future. Please be advised that some J-1 visa trainees are subject to a two-year foreign residence requirement after completing the J-1 visa program.
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Can I come back for a second J-1 Visa program?
In certain situations this is possible, although it is more difficult to get a second J-1 Visa. The second training program must be significantly different than the first training program, or at a higher level. Trainees usually are encouraged by the J-1 Visa sponsorship organization to work in their country of citizenship or permanent residence for at least a year between the two J-1 Visa programs, sometimes longer, as this improves their chances of getting a second J-1 Visa. Please contact the J-1 Visa sponsorship organization for more information.
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Once my training has started, can I go to a different hotel if I am not happy?
Trainees are authorized to work at only one location on the J-1 Visa. If you wish to change locations, you must seek and receive approval of your J-1 Visa sponsorship organization. You should contact this organization to explain your reasons for wanting to change locations, and they will instruct you on the procedures to follow.
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Can I travel outside the U.S. during my training program?
Yes, you may travel outside the U.S. during your J-1 Visa program. (Be sure to obtain approval from your manager to take any time off.) It is important to contact the J-1 Visa sponsorship organization a few weeks before you plan to travel. Sometimes they will ask you to send your Form IAP-66 (J-1 Visa sponsorship document) to them for authorization. This makes it easier for you to reenter the U.S. In some situations, you may need to apply for another visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before you can come back into the U.S.. Your J-1 Visa sponsorship organization will let you know if this is necessary and instruct you on the procedures to follow.
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Can I resign from my position at any time?
Yes, you can resign from your position at any time. It is standard practice to provide two weeks notice to your employer before leaving a job. You also must notify your J-1 Visa sponsorship organization of your last day of training and the day you will leave the U.S.. They will need to notify the U.S. government that your J-1 Visa sponsorship will end early. (Your J-1 Visa is no longer valid after 30 days following your last day of employment.) Nothing in this program guarantees employment for a specific period of time.
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How do I find a place to live in the U.S.?
It is your responsibility to find housing in the U.S.; however, your host employer is available to assist you. Most Marriott hotels allow trainees to stay at the hotel for one or two weeks while they are locating a place to live. Hotel staff is available to assist you in locating affordable housing close to work and determining the best type of transportation to work.
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